Who is exempt from Local Housing Allowance?
The Local Housing Allowance (LHA) is a government scheme in the United Kingdom that provides financial assistance to individuals or families on low incomes to help them pay their rent. However, not everyone is eligible for this benefit. In this article, we will explore who is exempt from the Local Housing Allowance and answer some frequently asked questions on this topic.
The Local Housing Allowance is not available to everyone as certain groups of people are exempt. Here are the main categories of individuals who are exempt from the Local Housing Allowance:
1. Homeowners: If you own your home, you are not eligible for the Local Housing Allowance. This benefit is primarily aimed at those who live in rented accommodations.
2. People living with close relatives: Individuals living with close relatives (such as parents, children, siblings) who are also the landlord of the property are exempt from the Local Housing Allowance. This is to prevent fraudulent claims.
3. People living in temporary accommodation: Individuals living in temporary accommodation provided by the local council or other housing authorities are generally exempt from the Local Housing Allowance. This includes hostels, refuges, and shelters.
4. People in supported housing: Residents who live in supported housing, which includes special housing schemes for the elderly, individuals with disabilities, or those needing support, are exempt from the Local Housing Allowance. These individuals are often eligible for different forms of housing support.
5. Armed Forces personnel: Members of the Armed Forces, including those living in Ministry of Defence accommodation or barracks, are exempt from the Local Housing Allowance.
6. Prisoners and people in custody: Individuals who are serving a custodial sentence in prison or are held in detention centers are exempt from the Local Housing Allowance.
7. Students in full-time education: Full-time students are generally not eligible for the Local Housing Allowance unless they meet certain criteria such as having a child, receiving disability benefits, or being in a couple where both partners are eligible students.
8. People living in certain types of care: Individuals living in hospitals, nursing homes, or residential care homes are exempt from the Local Housing Allowance as their accommodation is usually provided by the care facility.
9. People with severe disabilities: Individuals receiving the severe disability premium as part of their benefits are exempt from the Local Housing Allowance. This is because their housing costs are already accounted for in their benefits payments.
10. Individuals under 35 without dependent children: In some cases, individuals under the age of 35 who do not have dependent children may face restrictions on the Local Housing Allowance they can receive. This is capped at the shared accommodation rate, which may be lower than the actual rental costs.
11. People subject to immigration control: Individuals who are subject to immigration control or do not have a right to reside in the UK are generally not eligible for the Local Housing Allowance. There are specific exceptions for some individuals, such as refugees or those with certain visas.
12. People living in certain types of property: Individuals living in mobile homes, houseboats, and caravans are usually exempt from the Local Housing Allowance as the scheme is primarily designed for individuals living in mainstream rented accommodation.
In summary, various groups of individuals are exempt from the Local Housing Allowance. Homeowners, individuals living with close relatives who are also the landlord, those in temporary accommodation or supported housing, members of the Armed Forces, prisoners, and students in full-time education are among those exempted. Additionally, individuals living in certain types of care, individuals receiving the severe disability premium, people under 35 without dependent children, individuals subject to immigration control, and those in mobile homes, houseboats, or caravans are also exempted from the scheme.